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A Front Row Seat to History at Face The Nation

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Mariah Espada

Below is a first person account from Dean's Intern Mariah Espada on her internship with CBS's Face the Nation. This was originally published on the SOC Dean's Internship blog.

Interning for one of the largest Sunday public affairs programs has been nothing short of extraordinary. In just a few short weeks I have been able to make CBS’s Face The Nation a true hub of growing, networking, and learning.

One of the many things I have valued from my experience thus far is the fact that my work has had a direct impact on a show that’s being watched by millions. Every week I produce extensive research on our show’s guests, providing clearly organized information for the show’s producers and our now-anchor John Dickerson to utilize.

From my research, the team is able to generate well-thought out, contextual questions for the hour long show. The feeling of seeing the show air questions being generated from my research is a thrilling feeling! From graphics to socials to research, I have learned that there are several moving parts that make a show of this caliber possible!

Mariah Espada

Political shape shifters and Washington journalists that I have observed for years from a far are now individuals I am able to encounter at CBS. With recent guests ranging from U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley to South Carolina Senator Lindsay Graham to The Atlantic editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, it’s safe to say I have a front row seat to history in the District.

I am grateful to the Dean’s Internship Program for this unique opportunity and am looking forward to continuing my professional development journey during the rest of my time at Face The Nation!